How to Use a VPN

If you’re keeping up with the trendy topics of our time, then you probably already know about the so-called Virtual Private Networks. They talk about them in every single corner, but very few folks know how to use a VPN. Today that’s going to change: we will teach you exactly what to do in order to protect your computer/smartphone/whatever from external threats.

Yes, that’s exactly what VPNs are for – they help the users protect their sensitive data. Basically, all they do is block the unique IP that every single device comes with and redirect it. Sounds pretty simple and straightforward, huh?

So, if you feel like someone’s tracking your browser’s history, this is the best remedy for that. Besides, once you learn how to use a VPN, you’ll be able to get access to website and/or services that never used to be available in your area. After this guide, you’ll become a pro and gain the reputation of a smart guy/gal J.

The first thing you’ll need to do is sign up for the VPN of your liking and download it on your device. Most services offer a choice between three tiers, and those include 1-month, 3-month, and 12-month plans. Choose one and let’s proceed with this how to use a VPN tutorial. It’s time to install and launch the app.

How to Use a VPN, Step #1 – Installation

Most VPNs are ready-steady and don’t need any additional input from you. The rest require signing up with an email address. If Mac is your platform of choice, just click on the .dmg file and drag the new app into the corresponding folder. Now let’s see how to use VPN on Windows. Just like with the Mac systems, click the installation file (.exe file) and follow the simple instructions.

Once the installation is complete, launch the VPN app. If you’re using a smartphone, start the app from the home screen. The majority of applications come with easy, step-by-step manuals to get you started.

Interested to find out how to use VPN service on Windows 10? Well, if you’re using a third-party service, this routine is pretty much identical between the various Microsoft operating systems. Please keep in mind that some VPNs will ask you to create an account (that’s equally true for all the other systems).

Nothing hard here: if you’re on a company’s VPN, your connection will be secured from now on. But depending on how your company handles VPN access, things will be a bit different at this point.

Scenario #1: the VPN server will launch a brand-new window that will look exactly like the desktop of your device (AKA the “virtual desktop”), allowing you access to the sensitive resources of the company.

Scenario #2: you’ll remain on your desktop and enter a secret web-address and get your hands on the company’s files there. There’s no need in asking the IT department to teach you how to use VPN on Windows or any other OS because we covered it all today and you’ve got just the right skills to handle pretty much anything.

How to Use a VPN, Step #2 – Choosing The Right Server

And now that the app is on your screen, the next step is choosing a server that you want to connect the device to. It will be either a map or just a list of countries with available servers. When you pick one of the locations, you’ll trick the World Wide Web into thinking that you’re in that country at this moment, even though you’re obviously not.

And that is exactly why it’s important to be conscious about the server you choose. For example, if you’re trying to figure out how to use VPN to connect to the US Netflix (we’ll talk about that in more details later), go with a server that’s based in America.

The same logic works when the goal is, for example, to watch a BBC broadcast – choose a United Kingdom-based server. Obviously, that’s not 100% legal, but hey, we all want to enjoy our favorite shows, right? After you’ve chosen a server, it’s time to connect to it. Usually, it’s super-simple and all the user is required to do is click/push/tap one button. Yep, in order to learn how to use a VPN, you don’t need a science degree.

How Can I Use VPN for Free?

This is one of the most important questions. Generally speaking, if you just want some basic protection without any advanced settings, I’d recommend picking a free VPN. Usually, we just want to know that our passwords/logins are secure and that we can access Netflix, BBC, and other “media outlets”.

On the other hand, if your second name is Snowden and you’re trying to hide from the government agencies, go with a commercial service. TunnelBear, VPN Gate, Windscribe and Hide.me are one of the best free options on the market right now. They do come with a data limit, but it won’t be much of a problem for an average user.

A List of VPNs That Unlock Access to Netflix

We all like to watch movies/TV shows on the world-famous Netflix service, but, for some reason, love is not always mutual. Lucky for us, VPNs are perfect for solving this issue. Ok, let’s see how to use Netflix with VPN. First of all, you’ll need to figure out which VPNs can actually help you fool the system. Wait, scratch that – we already did all the searching, and here’s the list of the ones that will work beautifully:

#1 – ExpressVPN. This is the most famous and advanced VPN out there. Unfortunately, it’s also quite expensive (12.95 bucks a month), which is why we’ll probably skip it. However, if you’re serious about protecting your data and access to Netflix is just a nice bonus, then, by all means, put this provider to good use.

#2 – NordVPN. This one is known for being super-secure and easy to use. But it’s still very expensive, especially if you go for the monthly package (11.95 bucks a month).

#3 – PrivateVPN. This one is capable of both enabling the service in your browser and unlocking the mobile app. So, even though it’s got a limited number of servers, it still does the job well.

#4 – VYPRVPN. A couple of years ago, this provider failed at solving the Netflix issue. Surprisingly enough, it’s back in the game now! If you don’t want to learn how to use VPN servers, go with this one, because it’s super-intuitive.

Ok, we’ve already learned how to use a VPN. All you have to do to “outsmart” the media streaming service is connected to a US-based VPN server – that’s it!

A List of VPNs That Currently Can’t Outmaneuver Netflix

Finally, let’s go over the list of popular VPNs that are useless against Netflix:

TunnelBear. It’s a pity because this one’s not only awesome but also free.

IPVanish. It’s an overall great VPN with an appealing price-tag of only 10 bucks a month (6.49 a month for a one-year-package).

TotalVPN. With 200 locations around the world, this provider is truly “Total”.

Alright, we’re done with this how to use a VPN guide. Check out some of our other articles to learn more about the wonderful world of Virtual Private Networks!

Alexander has been in touch with technology since his high-school days. He's responsible for the technical side of things on our website. He carefully examines every single post on Vpnservicepro.com and updates them as soon as new plans and features come into play.
There are hundreds of VPN services on the Internet, and they're all trying to attract as many customers as possible. So, how do you know which one(s) to choose? How do you find that golden middle to stick with? Are free VPNs a smart choice or a headache for you? Should you go with a monthly plan or a 2-year plan? Let Alexander help you with that! Or, use the Compare feature to quickly put two networks next to each other and learn about all the Pros and Cons in the blink of an eye.